SmartResistor an Automated Resistance Standard

US Pat. No. 6,798,214

Description

A 'Resistance Lab in a Box'

The SmartResistor combines, into one transportable device, all the items needed to maintain resistance: a set of standard resistors, a controlled temperature bath, a low thermal emf scanner, and measurement data.

Advantages of the SmartResistor

Eight resistance Standards

To maintain and disseminate the ohm, a laboratory must have a set of resistance standards, usually at decade values (1 W, 10 W, 100 W, etc.). The SmartResistor contains eight resistors. A typical model has eight decade values covering the range from 1 W to 10 MW. However, any eight resistance values may be specified at the time of order. Due to power and leakage limitations, the values should be between 0.1 W and 10 MW.

Constant temperature bath

Traditional resistance standards are usually held in a constant temperature oil bath; these baths are bulky, noisy, and can not be transported. The SmartResistor contains a constant temperature enclosure, allowing portability. The control circuitry has sufficient power to overcome variations in ambient temperature. The nominal setting is 25.00 °C. In normal room environments, this constant temperature housing has a stability better than 10 mK.

Environmental immunity

The standards are hermetically sealed for immunity from changing barometric pressure and relative humidity.

Characterization of standards

A resistance standard has no value without its characterization. This data includes a reference value in ohms, coefficients of temperature, power coefficient, frequency response and its drift over time. The SmartResistor's internal computer maintains all this data and displays it to the user. The data is available for integration into automated systems.

Corrected for drift

As time passes, the SmartResistor's calendarl applies drift corrections to the displayed value. The SmartResistor's software generates and maintains control charts for each of its eight standards.

Low thermal emf scanner

The SmartResistor's 8-channel low-thermal emf scanner cards are by DataProof, a world leader in scanner technology. This integrated scanner allows automated buildups. Any of the eight resistance standards may be selected as R1 or R2 on the front panel.

Internal datalogger

The SmartResistor contains a battery powered temperature logger, to monitor and warn of exposure to potentially damaging temperature extremes during storage or transit.

Cost Savings of the SmartResistor

A single SmartResistor is designed to replace eight resistance standards, a constant temperature bath, a low thermal emf scanner, a precision thermometer, a temperature datalogger and resistance maintenance software. The cost is significantly lower than these separate components.

Automating the Resistance Lab

The SmartResistor is designed with simple, intuitive operator controls. All functions and controls can be integrated into an automated system via the SmartResistor's interfaces. The standard interfaces supplied include ethernet and IEEE ports.

Protecting Resistance Standards

Traditional resistance standards can be permanently damaged by exposure to temperature extremes. The SmartResistor contains a battery-powered temperature datalogger, constantly monitoring its internal temperature. Even in storage, the logger will sample and store temperatures hourly for a period of approximately two years.

A rugged transit container is available for the SmartResistor.

Future Developments

The SmartResistor Model SR covers the range from 0.1 W to 10 MW. A SmartShunt, Model SS, is planned for use as a low resistance standard, containing five decade values from from 1 W to 0.000 01 W. It may be used for high accuracy current measurement, up to 300 amps. A high resistance standard, Model SH, is planned for resistance between 1 MW to 1 TW. Extended models are planned, including a high current shunt.

Longevity

The SmartResistor is designed for extended use. Care has been exercised to select reliable and rugged components.

The SmartResistor carries a two year parts and labor warrantee.

Technical Support

Ohm-Labs provides lifetime technical support for all products - upgrades are generally available at no cost.

Related Information

Thank you for your interest in the SmartResistor. We welcome any comments or suggestions you may have. Please contact us with any questions you may have concerning resistance standards.